Saints safety Vinnie Sunseri emerging as a fan favorite with a competitive fire lit
It’s no secret — the New Orleans Saints did not have the best of drafts a year ago. At least up to this point, nobody besides the very talented Brandin Cooks has really made an impact, and two of the draft picks aren’t even with the team anymore.
After a discouraging rookie season with only eight snaps on the field in 2014, second-year developmental corner Stanley Jean-Baptiste is showing signs of life. Pass rushing linebacker Ronald Powell will also be looking to step it up. And safety Vinnie Sunseri, who was actually a bright spot from the draft until suffering a season-ending arm injury, is off to an explosive start at training camp.
The Saints surprised when they drafted the Alabama defensive back, due to the fact the team was already stacked in the safety department. However, Vinnie Sunseri’s energy and competitiveness that come along with being a product of Nick Saban and a coach’s son payed off.
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Sunseri started the first seven games for the Crimson Tide in 2013 before suffering a torn ACL on the opening kickoff against Arkansas in October. He was medically excluded from the NFL Scouting Combine, but that didn’t stop New Orleans from taking a chance.
He brings great size, big hands and the ability to read and react quickly on defense, which he has displayed quite well so far in his second year. His flashes showed last season as well before the injury.
He’s been all over the field since the Saints kicked off training camp about two weeks ago in White Sulphur Springs, WV. There wasn’t much for the team to be proud about in Friday’s Black and Gold scrimmage, however, Vinnie Sunseri finished the contest on a more positive note than some of his teammates after picking off a pass and returning it the opposite way for a score.
He continued his strong play on Monday, pulling in his third interception of camp. While it’s still a bit early, it’s never too soon to notice the kind of competitive fire players like Vinnie Sunseri bring to the mix.
The emerging fan favorite looks to carry over that momentum into Thursday’s preseason opener versus the Baltimore Ravens. He should see a fair amount of action in Charm City two days from now.